1 Corinthians 7:16

The rules of Christianity reach every condition. And in every state a man may live so as to be a credit to it. Note, It is the duty of every Christian to suit his behaviour to his condition and the rules of religion, to be content with his lot, and conduct himself in his rank and place as becomes a Christian.

He shows them that becoming Christians does not change their external state; and therefore advises every one to continue, in the general, in that state in which he was called,

For what knowest thou, O wife - You that are Christians, and who have heathen partners, do not give them up because they are such, for you may become the means of saving them unto eternal life. Bear your cross, and look up to God, and he may give your unbelieving husband or wife to your prayers.

Or else (1Co 7:15), if thy unbelieving consort wishes to depart, let him go, so that thou mayest live "in peace": for thou canst not be sure of converting him, so as to make it obligatory on thee at all costs to stay with him against his will [MENOCHIUS and ALFORD]. save--be the instrument of salvation to (Jas 5:20).

For what knowest thou ... - The apostle here assigns a reason why the believing party should not separate from the other needlessly, or why he should not desire to be separated. The reason is, the possibility, or the probability, that the unbelieving party might be converted by the example and entreaties of the other. Whether then ... - How do you know “but” this may be done? Is there not a possibility, nay a probability of it, and is not this a sufficient reason for continuing together? Save thy husband - Gain him over to the Christian faith; be the means of his conversion and salvation. compare Rom 11:26. We learn from this verse: (1) That there is a possibility that an unbelieving partner in life may be converted by the example of the other. (2) That this should be an object of intense interest to the Christian husband or wife, because: (a) It will promote the happiness of the other; (b) It will promote their usefulness; (c) It will be the means of blessing their family, for parents should be united on the subject of religion, and in their example and influence in training up their sons and daughters; and, (d) Because the salvation of a beloved husband or wife should be an object of intense interest, (3) This object is of so much importance that the Christian should be willing to submit to much, to bear much, and to bear long, in order that it may be accomplished. Paul said that it was desirable even to live with a pagan partner to do it; and so also it is desirable to bear much, very much, with even an unkind and fretful temper, with an unfaithful and even an intemperate husband, or with a perverse and peevish wife, if there is a prospect that they may be converted. (4) This same direction is elsewhere given; 1Pe 3:1-2. (5) It is often done. It is not hopeless. […]